It’s hard to believe it, but another year has come!
For the past five years (yes, since 2017!), I’ve been writing financial “level-up” posts at the beginning of the year, sharing a number of ways to improve your finances.
I’m keeping the tradition alive! Since we’re moving into year 2022, it’s only fitting to share 22 ways to level up your finances this year!
Keep reading for 22 things you can do to take your finances to the next level in 2022.
22 Ways to Level Up Your Finances in 2022
#1 Set your money goals for 2022
One of the best things you can do for your money, especially at the start of a new year, is set money goals.
Goals (whether they’re specific to money or not) give us something to work towards. They keep us focused on doing the work. Get your 2022 money goals written down!
#2 Break your 2022 money goals down into quarterly milestones
Want to take your 2022 money goals a step further? Break the annual goals down into quarterly milestones.
I follow this goal-setting strategy thanks to the book The 12-Week Year. If you’re a goal-setting individual, definitely check it out!
#3 Review or revamp your budget
Want to level up your finances this year? Review or revamp your budget! Give your budget a deep dive to see what needs to be changed or improved.
Don’t have a budget? Get yours now for 20% off! Click here to get started and use code 2022 at checkout. Hurry! This sale won’t last long!
#4 Roll over old retirement plans
I recently stumbled upon Capitalize, and HOLY COW, they are great! They basically handle the entire rollover process from start to finish…FOR FREE!
Yes, they’re a completely free service (for now) and they take the time and knowledge barrier out of the rollover process.
There are so many benefits to rolling over old retirement plans: you can start contributing again, you know where all of your money is, and you have everything under one roof.
Trust me, your future self will thank you. If you have old retirement plans that need to be rolled over, let Capitalize help!
#5 Subscribe to the City Girl Savings podcast
Guess what?! City Girl Savings now has a podcast! That’s right, as of a few days ago, we’ve released our first ever podcast! Level up your money and life by subscribing!
#6 Get started with investing
Investing is one of the best ways to build real wealth. Make 2022 the year you finally get started or get into investing! Read the article Easy Ways to Start Investing Now for some ideas to get you going!
#7 Start tracking your net worth
Amazing things happened after I started tracking my net worth. I have no doubt amazing things will happen for you too!
#8 Schedule a free financial focus call with me
Free ninety-nine, so what do you have to lose? Schedule a free financial focus call with me and let’s spend 30 minutes talking about your money situation!
You may get something out of it that changes the course of your finances forever!
#9 Unsubscribe from retailer newsletters
If sales and discounts trigger you to spend money, start unsubscribing from newsletters sent by your favorite stores and retailers. I promise you won’t miss them!
#10 Set up a new sinking fund
After you read The Skinny on Sinking Funds, make it a goal to set up a new sinking fund ASAP! Sinking funds help you save for things you spend money on consistently.
We can all benefit by having them, so get yours opened today!
#11 Reassess your emergency fund number
Currently working on your emergency fund? When was the last time you assessed the number you’re trying to save for emergencies?
If it’s been awhile, your situation has probably changed. Reassess your emergency fund number and make sure you’re still on track.
As a reminder, your emergency fund should be 3-6 months’ worth of expenses.
#12 Create a personal finance book reading list
Increasing your knowledge of money and finance is critical for continued growth and success. Create a personal finance reading list and start at the top!
#13 Help a friend get on financial track
Do you have a friend or a few friends who struggle with their money? Introduce them to City Girl Savings!
Start encouraging them to get on financial track or seek out help to do so. They’ll be grateful and you’ll feel rewarded.
#14 Stop complaining about your money situation
This is a big one! Let’s make 2022 the year we stop complaining about money.
Here’s the thing – our financial situations can always be better, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to be grateful for. Stop complaining about your situation and start practicing gratitude for what is going well.
#15 Write down your money goals every day
You’ve already set your 2022 money goals, thanks to tips #1 and #2, so take it a step further by writing them down every day. This helps keep the goals front and center as you work towards them!
#16 Get a copy of the Money Moves Packet
I recently created a new resource called the CGS Money Moves Packet. Download your free copy today and dive in!
#17 Increase your retirement contribution by 1%
1% is a small enough number for you not to miss it from your paycheck, but a large enough number to have a major impact on your retirement fund growth! Let’s up that percentage now!
#18 Up your savings transfer by $5
Is $5 a number for you to lose sleep over? Probably not.
So, with that being said, increase your current savings transfer amount by $5, regardless of the frequency of the transfer. $5 saved consistently will add up over time!
#19 Open a general investment account and play around
Want to get started with investing but don’t know what you’re doing? You’ll never learn until you start!
Open a general investment account with Betterment or Robinhood and start playing around in the app. You don’t have to put money in, but you can start getting a hang of how it works.
#20 Join the CGS Facebook Group
Take your financial support system to an app you use regularly – Facebook!
Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group and surround yourself with other like-minded women who are on the journey to financial success, just like you!
#21 Commit to one budget cut-back
Make it a point to cut back one of your budget categories this year. Even if you don’t always stay within the budgeted amount, you’re starting to think about ways you can cut back.
#22 Pick a charity to donate to
Giving back is so rewarding and opens the door for more abundance to come your way. Research some charities that are important to you and donate to them this year.
You don’t have to donate a large amount of money to make a difference.
Related: 17 Things to Do for Your Finances in 2017
What a list! Whether you’ve already started on some of the items or not, you can do some of the tips on this list to help you level up your money this year.
What tips do you plan to implement? Drop a comment below to share. You can also share any other ways you plan to level up your money this year!
